UAE Trends and Developments Contributed by: Abdullah Ishnaneh, BSA LAW
2. Technology and AI as the New Backbone of UAE Courts From paper files to digital platforms It is clear that digital litigation is now the standard. Parties can submit pleadings and evidence through virtual digital services. Most UAE courts provide complete e-filing and video hearing systems. In the first half of 2025, the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) processed over 778,000 electronic requests, highlighting the shift from paper to digital workflows. The benefits include: • Faster case initiation and fee payment • Automatic electronic notifications • Secure online access to documents and judgments Digital accuracy is essential; the portals enforce strict deadlines. AI-powered translation and multilingual access In October 2025, the UAE Public Prosecution launched the “Bayan” Smart Translation Centre and announced a partnership to create a specialised legal language model. The initiative aims to improve accuracy and speed in translation across justice institutions. For litigants, this means: • Quicker bilingual communication with judicial bod- ies • Less reliance on human translators for routine documents • Enhanced inclusion of non-Arabic-speaking parties Parties should still verify all important translations, especially contractual clauses or technical reports, as the responsibility for accuracy lies with the filer. Virtual hearings and hybrid formats Remote hearings are now integrated into the onshore system. The ADJD’s remote hearing service provides secure links through approved platforms, while the Federal Judiciary portal confirms that virtual litigation is a permanent option. Benefits include:
• Reduced costs and travel for foreign participants • More flexible scheduling • Continuity of proceedings during emergencies In cases where credibility or complex evidence is at stake, courts may still hold physical or hybrid ses- sions, balancing efficiency with procedural integrity. Digital evidence and e-signatures The Evidence Law (Federal Decree Law No. 35 of 2022), effective from 2 January 2023, formally acknowledges electronic documents, records and communications as admissible evidence when their integrity and authenticity are established. Alongside it, the Electronic Transactions and Trust Services Law (Federal Decree Law No. 46 of 2021) states that a Qualified Electronic Signature that meets required technical criteria is equivalent to a handwritten sig- nature. The Executive Regulations (Cabinet Decision No. 28 of 2023) specify certification and trust service requirements. These laws grant full legal recognition to e-contracts, e-notarisations and electronic submissions, provided parties meet accreditation and verification standards. What’s next? As of October 2025, official sources confirm the fol- lowing trends: • Ongoing operation of virtual litigation and digital filing platforms • Enhanced remote hearing infrastructure under the ADJD and other local courts • Continued pilot implementation of AI translation through the Bayan project Speculative ideas such as AI-generated judgments or predictive case allocation have not been officially adopted in onshore or offshore courts and are there- fore not discussed here. The confirmed trend is one of solidifying existing digital and AI frameworks rather than experimenting with new ones. UAE onshore litigation in 2026 will be defined by a structured reliance on experts and established digital practices. The governing laws – the Civil Procedures Law, the Evidence Law and the Electronic Transac-
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